Episode
Season Two, Episode 4: The power of precision
- Podcast
- Chalk Dust
- Published
- Apr 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1207
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://chalkdust.media/p/season-two-episode-4-the-power-of
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Summary
Summary In this second part of their conversation with Adam Boxer, Rebecca Birch and Nathaniel Swain move from behaviour and presence into the micro-detail of questioning, participation, and formative assessment. Using a retrieval practice clip, Adam unpacks how tightly structured classroom talk—particularly through “name at end” questioning, deliberate wait time, and systematic student selection—ensures every student is cognitively engaged. The discussion highlights how seemingly small choices in questioning routines shape accountability, attention, and the flow of classroom thinking. Adam reframes familiar ideas such as “cold call” and “no opt out” into more precise, actionable language, arguing that naming strategies clearly improve teacher implementation. The episode also explores “looping” as a formative assessment technique, where teachers return to students to probe understanding and track learning in real time. Beyond technique, the conversation turns to subject knowledge, with Adam suggesting that while it matters, classroom control and participation structures are foundational. The episode closes with a broader reflection on professional learning, teacher buy-in, and the importance of giving teachers practical, effective strategies that genuinely improve classroom experience. Part 1 (Episode 3) is below if you’re new to the pod and want to dive in here first. Mentioned resources and explainers Carousel Learning Carousel Learning is Adam Boxer’s retrieval practice platform for students. It is designed to support retrieval and checking for understanding through structured classroom routines and digital tools. Carousel Teaching Carousel Teaching is the professional learning platform attached to Carousel Learning. It combines video exemplars, commentary, quizzes,…